Dogs are wonderful pets to have around. People the world over love dogs, with good reason. They adore you and want you to adore them back. They make wonderful friends. That means you need to be a great companion for them too. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Owning a dog takes a bit of money. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.

Know about what could go wrong with flea treatments if you have a dog. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Talk to your veterinarian about safer alternatives.

Before deciding on what type of dog to get for your family, consider space. Even though you may love the bigger dogs that you can really wrap your arms around, you may not have adequate space for a large breed. Take your home and yard size into consideration before bringing home a new pooch.

Giving your dog a bath is essential to his health. Depending on his size and activity level, toss him in the tub weekly or monthly and always use a shampoo that is made for dogs and is pH balanced. Pets have different pH levels than humans and a good dog shampoo will leave your canine clean with a beautiful shiny coat.

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Spay or neuter your dog. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.

If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. Smaller dogs will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If you are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.

Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.

Consider what your dog is eating. Different sorts of dog food give your dog better nutrition, and price doesn’t always point the way to quality. Consult with your vet on the best food for your dog, taking into account his age and the overall state of his health. This is a great way to make sure your dog lives for a long time.

You have to treat your dog like it’s a great friend and it will treat you the same. The information in this article will help you to be an even better dog owner. Your dog deserves a great life and using this information can make your life happier too.